Kawasaki only manufactured the SC (Sports Cruiser) 650 from 1991 until 1995. The SC 650 is unique amongst jetskis because
although it is a 2-seater, the passenger and driver sit alongside each other (rather than in front of and behind each
other).
I won the auction on 31st July 2005 for this Kawasaki jetski on eBay, and then drove across to Worthing (England) to pay
for and collect the jetski on 7th August 2005.
This is one of the later 1994 models, and it still looks as if it is almost new.
It has the reknowned 650 cc. 2-stroke engine (with an oil pump driven off the crankshaft, so you don't need to pre-mix the
fuel and oil yourself) that produces about 60 bhp, which propels the craft through a Hamilton jet drive. The SC 650 was
the first jetski to have a reverse gear (for easy manouvering) !!!
The steering wheel can be moved into one of three positions - it can be locked in the centre (if there is no passenger on
board), or you can decide whether you want the jetski to be left-hand-drive or right-hand-drive !!!
In this montage, you can clearly see the three possible positions for the steering wheel !!!
Canoe Ban Proposed
Sachse International Gazette
By Wilber "Jet Wash" Smith
Senior Water Recreation Correspondent
Date Line Sachse, Texas
On Tuesday, the National Coalition to Ban Paddle Sports Association is expected to release its report on the Impact of
Canoe Use on Water Recreation. The report appears to be in response to the relentless volley of inane regulations and
personal watercraft ban attempts supported by environmental extremists.
We obtained a draft copy of the report, which highlights the environmental impact of canoe and kayak use on our nations
waterways. The association is pushing for an outright ban on paddle sport related recreation in national parks and
sensitive Rana Castesbeiana (American Bullfrog) habitat in 37 states.
The report entitled "Unsafe at Slow Speeds" lists several points of contention supporting its legislative
initiative.
1. Even though canoes and kayaks represent a small minority of water going vessels on U.S. waters, they accounted for 104
deaths in the year 2000 according the U.S. Coast Guards accident statistics. (The latest year available at the time of the
report.)
2. The basic design of the canoe is flawed. Originally designed as water transportation by Native peoples, the canoe
industry has failed to fix basic design flaws as highlighted by over 103 capsizing in the year 2000. (U.S.C.G. stats).
The basic design is inherently unstable and does not contain materials that will insure the craft will not sink.
3. Although slow moving these vessels should be considered "thrill craft" since enthusiasts derive pleasure and
engage in risky white water activities.
4. There is no mandatory training for canoe/kayak pilots. Anyone with enough money can simply rent a thrill craft canoe
and become a slow moving danger on our nations waterways.
5. The craft is designed to be operated in shallow water and near shorelines disturbing wild life such as the American
Bullfrog.
6. Canoes account for a disproportionate volume of complaints among Personal Watercraft users. The complaints most
frequently cited are the lack of noise, slow speed and operator behavior.
7. Canoes have no effective means of braking and often are associated with camping and old rusted out tow vehicles.
Canoes transported on top on a vehicle often obstruct the driver’s view of the road and present an additional height
hazard when stopping for morning coffee.
"For too long we have suffered intimidation at the hands of environmental whackos", stated Ineed Speed
president of the NCBPS, "hopefully our report will educate the public on the growing dangers posed to the American
Bullfrog by human powered thrill craft." The report calls for the immediate banning of canoe and kayak activities
until a comprehensive environmental impact study can be completed. According to reliable sources the association is also
planning to issue reports on the dangers posed by stationary houseboats.
** Updated Canoe / Kayak Statistics 2001-2003
2003 87 deaths, 70 injuries, 157 total casualties
2002 78 deaths, 57 injuries, 135 total casualties
2001 101 deaths, 98 injuries, 199 total casualties
"The number of reported injuries involving PWC use continued along a downward trend and has decreased every year
since 1996." USCG 2003 Statistics
